Motorcycle Mechanics Institute Instructor Named 2007 Teacher Of The Year
9/26/2007
PHOENIX, AZ — With a natural passion for motorcycles and teaching, Tom
Dahl still can’t believe he has led a successful career doing what he
loves. Each day, Dahl enters a classroom at Motorcycle Mechanics
Institute (MMI) and works with potential professional technicians on
the high-tech systems of motorcycles. Recently, his commitment to
education was recognized by the Arizona Private School Association
(APSA) with its 2007 Best Practice Award for Best Teacher. Dahl was
presented with the Best Teacher award at a luncheon of the APSA, the
oldest and largest association of private post-secondary schools, with
over 56 member schools in Arizona.
The APSA received more than
80 submissions for the award from colleagues of the nominees. Several
industry judges, who have participated in the search for best teacher
award recipients for more than 10 years, chose Dahl almost immediately.
“Tom’s
story as an educator is very impressive,” said Fred Lockhart, executive
director of the APSA. “His nomination was one of the strongest I have
ever seen. It was bursting with positive feedback from the instructors
and students whose lives he has helped change over the years.”
While
a passion for motorcycles drew him to MMI, it is the joy of seeing
students begin to understand and develop confidence that keeps Dahl
committed to his job.
“I am still in awe that I earn a living
working with students and motorcycles,” Dahl said after accepting the
award. “I love talking about and working on motorcycles with other
enthusiasts. This really doesn’t seem like a job to me.”
Dahl
has been an instructor at MMI, a provider of technical education
training for students seeking careers as professional motorcycle
technicians, for more than 20 years. He was the original instructor for
MMI’s K-Tech Specialist program, a 12-week elective sponsored and
endorsed by Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) for students
specializing in Kawasaki products, and played an integral role in
launching the elective at the Phoenix campus in 1997.
When
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. executives learned of Dahl’s achievement,
the company also recognized him, in a separate ceremony, with Kawasaki
racing leathers as a sign of their appreciation for his an integral
role in its K-Tech Specialist program.
“Much of the K-Tech
Specialist program’s success at MMI can be attributed to Tom’s hard
work, enthusiasm and dedication to student success,” said Don Church,
Kawasaki Motors Corp. Director of Technical Services. “We’re proud of
his accomplishments and are thankful that an instructor of his caliber
represents Kawasaki in the education and motorcycle industries.”
Dahl
feels very fortunate to receive the recognition, but doesn’t believe he
deserves all the credit. “There are many people at MMI and KMC who have
helped me in my career and made this possible. I am very proud to be
part of a team that has accomplished so much,” he said.
About Universal Technical Institute, Inc. and Motorcycle Mechanics Institute
Universal
Technical Institute, Inc. is a provider of technical education training
for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel,
collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. The company offers
undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs at 10 campuses
across the United States, and manufacturer-sponsored advanced programs
at 18 dedicated training centers. Through its campus-based school
system, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. offers specialized
technical education programs under several well-known brands, including
Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and
Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI), and NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI).
For more information, visit www.uticorp.com.
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